Venice's Lost Empire: Drain the Oceans

The programme reveals a 14th‑century galley, long entombed in mud, a 16th‑century hoard of opulent luxury cargo, and a macabre archaeological discovery. These three remarkable finds together illustrate the rapid ascent and ultimate decline of the Venetian Empire through history.

Venice's Lost Empire is a television programme delivered as a single episode that sets out to chart the historical arc of the Venetian Empire. The broadcast adopts an investigative approach, using archaeological evidence to illustrate how the city‑state grew to prominence and later succumbed to decline. It positions itself as a concise yet thorough look at one of history’s most influential maritime powers. The episode centres on three striking discoveries that have emerged from the lagoon and surrounding waters. First, a 14th‑century galley was found entombed in thick mud, its hull preserved by the sediment. Second, divers uncovered a 16th‑century hoard containing luxury cargo, a testament to the wealth that once passed through Venice’s ports. Finally, a gruesome find adds a darker dimension, together painting a vivid picture of the empire’s fortunes. The mud‑entombed galley offers a tangible glimpse of Venice’s naval capabilities during its early expansion, while the treasure trove of opulent cargo underscores the scale of commercial exchange that underpinned the city’s prosperity. The unsettling nature of the gruesome discovery serves as a stark reminder that violence and tragedy were also woven into the fabric of the empire’s history. By linking these material remnants, the programme constructs a concise narrative of how Venice rose to dominate Mediterranean trade and how internal and external pressures eventually led to its downfall. The juxtaposition of lavish wealth and brutal loss highlights the complex legacy of the empire, offering viewers a clear illustration of both its triumphs and its ultimate collapse.